Voters enraged at 'zero progress' on homelessness

Los Angeles voters are expressing frustration about the city’s homelessness crisis ahead of upcoming mayoral and gubernatorial races. Many residents say visible encampments, open drug use, and mental health crises have increased in parts of the city. Parents describe children being forced to pass tents, drugs, and people in crisis near schools, and some say the situation feels dangerous and disgusting. A restaurant owner reports harassment of customers and objects thrown at diners. Some residents argue homelessness is driven by addiction, mental illness, and rising costs of living, making it more complex than politics. Others question whether current policies work, criticizing leaders for ineffective programs and for spending without results.

"“Zero progress,” one woman bluntly told The California Post when asked whether LA has improved its handling of homelessness. “It feels worse than it did.”"

"One mother said her children regularly witnessed “deeply disturbing homeless behavior” near their Hollywood school, adding that students were forced to walk past tents, drugs and people in crisis. “It was dangerous and disgusting,” she said. “It's really not that much better.”"

"A local restaurant owner said homeless individuals have harassed customers and thrown objects at diners outside her business. “I've had homeless people come and throw things at my customers, harass my customers, break dishes,” she said."

"Others argued the crisis is more complicated than politics alone, pointing to addiction, mental illness and rising costs of living as key drivers behind homelessness in California. “It's a nuanced issue,” one resident said. “There are people homeless because of financial circumstances. There are people homeless because of mental health issues.” Still, many voters questioned whether current policies are working at all. “Throwing money at a problem doesn't solve it,” another Angeleno said, criticizing city leaders over what he called ineffective homelessness programs."

Read at California Post